Pitt football changes course, won't require players to wear masks during Saturday's game

In a reversal of a previous announcement, Pitt and Virginia Tech players won’t need to pull up their masks to cover the nose and mouth during Saturday’s game at Heinz Field.

Pitt’s athletic department, which initially announced Friday that all players would wear face coverings while engaged in competition, clarified its stance four hours later. Here’s the latest statement from Pitt:

“To provide further clarity, Pitt football student-athletes will be outfitted with face coverings throughout the game. However, they will not be required to have the coverings pulled up while in the midst of play to prevent the impairment of breathing. Such usage of face coverings during competition would be in compliance with Section 3 of the Secretary of Health’s Face Covering Order.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday updated its order from Tuesday that expanded the use of face coverings. Section 3B of the order provides an exception that states “if wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impeded breathing, a mental health condition or disability.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers believe they are covered under Section 3B and do not plan to wear masks Thursday in their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. In addition, soccer players at the PIAA championships Friday did not wear masks during competition.

Penn State players also will not wear masks Saturday in its game against Iowa at Beaver Stadium. Penn State officials issued the following statement:

“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes and staff is paramount. The Governor’s new orders include limited exceptions for competition to be played without face coverings in the context of rigorous and stringent University and Big Ten testing, health and safety protocols. All other game day personnel have been required to wear masks and we will continue to enforce this guideline at our events.”

Throughout the pandemic, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi has talked regularly — in separate sessions with his players and reporters — about the precautions necessary to play a full season.

Pitt’s game scheduled for last Saturday at Georgia Tech was postponed until Dec. 10 after players from both teams tested positive for the coronavirus.

Pitt players were tested three times this week in compliance with protocols followed over the course of the entire season.

Pitt practiced this week without interruption while receiving favorable results from testing Sunday and Wednesday.